A Two-Year-Old Dies Within a Day After Missing 'This Disease'... “Kept Asking for Water and Urinating Frequently” [Health Talk]

In the UK, a two-year-old who frequently asked for water and showed a sudden increase in urination died just one day after being diagnosed with tonsillitis. The family suggested that the child may have had Type 1 diabetes (T1D) and called for the introduction of 'Lyla's Law,' which would mandate testing for suspected pediatric diabetes symptoms.
According to British daily The Sun and other foreign media, Layla Story, a two-year-old living in Hull, England, died less than 24 hours after being diagnosed with acute tonsillitis by a General Practitioner (GP) in May last year. Layla had shown unusual symptoms before visiting the hospital, but the medical staff only diagnosed tonsillitis and did not suspect Type 1 diabetes (T1D). Her condition rapidly deteriorated, and she died at the hospital. The confirmed cause of death was Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).

The family argued that there were already signs suggestive of T1D when Layla visited the hospital. Her parents explained that Layla was more lethargic and had lower energy than usual. She complained of a sore throat, frequently asked for water due to thirst, and her urination increased noticeably, causing her diapers to be wet more often and even raising concerns about excessive nighttime urination.
Layla's parents pointed out that these symptoms were likely early warning signs of T1D rather than a simple infection. However, no blood sugar or urine tests were conducted during the consultation, resulting in a missed early diagnosis.
The family is urging the enactment of 'Lyla's Law,' named after their daughter, which would require mandatory screening for infants and children showing suspected symptoms of T1D. More than 120,000 people have signed a related petition, raising the possibility of discussion in the UK Parliament.
Layla's father, John Story, said, "I hope my daughter's death will serve as a turning point to protect other children," adding, "If just one test had been performed on children with symptoms, the outcome could have been different." He also noted that a simple urine test or a finger-prick blood sugar check could have detected elevated ketones or high blood sugar.
In connection with this, a coroner's inquest held in September 2025 concluded that the GP made a reasonable diagnosis of 'acute tonsillitis' given the circumstances at the time. However, Chief Coroner Professor Paul Marks emphasized the need for greater clinical vigilance regarding T1D and stated that he would send letters to the Royal College of General Practitioners and the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) urging increased awareness and education about the disease. Professor Marks stressed that T1D "should always be a top consideration in the clinical decision-making process."
The UK health authorities expressed condolences to Layla's family, stating, "The government has established a pediatric diabetes care system, but currently there is insufficient evidence to introduce mandatory universal screening for all children regardless of symptoms." However, authorities explained that they are conducting research to assess the effectiveness and feasibility of early detection of T1D through antibody testing before symptoms appear.

Layla's case demonstrates how quickly and severely T1D can develop in children. T1D is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks and destroys the pancreatic beta cells that produce Insulin. As a result, Insulin secretion stops and blood sugar regulation is lost. When the essential hormone Insulin, which moves glucose from the bloodstream into cells, is lacking, blood sugar levels rise rapidly.
This disease most commonly occurs in childhood and adolescence but can also appear in adults. In the UK, about 400,000 people are reported to have T1D, and the incidence continues to rise in developed countries such as Europe and North America. In Korea, the incidence of T1D is about 3 to 4 per 100,000 people per year, which is lower than in Western countries but is gradually increasing. As of 2021, the incidence of T1D in the entire Korean population was 3.75 per 100,000 people.
The greatest risk factor is 'delayed diagnosis.' When Insulin is lacking, the body breaks down fat to obtain energy, leading to excessive production of ketone bodies. Accumulation of ketones in the blood results in Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), causing severe dehydration, acidosis, and electrolyte imbalances. If treatment is delayed, it can lead to coma or death, making it a representative pediatric medical emergency.

Early symptoms are relatively typical and include frequent urination, excessive thirst, fatigue, and weight loss. In infants and toddlers, diapers may become heavier than usual, or new nighttime urination may appear. Diabetes UK summarizes these as the '4Ts'—Toilet, Thirsty, Tired, Thinner—to emphasize the importance of early recognition. However, young children often struggle to express their symptoms, and caregivers and medical staff may mistake them for simple infections or temporary malaise.
Diagnosis is straightforward. Emergency status can be determined simply by checking blood sugar with a finger-prick test or testing for ketones in urine or blood. If T1D is suspected in children or adolescents, they should immediately visit a specialized medical facility.
Treatment requires lifelong Insulin administration. While management technologies such as Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGM) and insulin pumps have advanced, early diagnosis is essential for their use. T1D is a manageable disease, but delayed diagnosis can be life-threatening, making early symptom recognition and prompt testing crucial.
In contrast to T1D, Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a condition in which Insulin is produced but does not function properly in the body due to Insulin resistance. The main causes are obesity, lifestyle, and genetic factors, and it commonly occurs in adults. In the early stages, it can be managed with diet, exercise, and oral hypoglycemic agents, but Insulin therapy is often needed only after the disease progresses.
hsg@fnnews.com Han Seung-gon Reporter